Guarding Our Words

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Reflect

As I am typing these words, I’m listening to my daughter interview my dad in the background for a history project. As they are laughing and cutting up, he is very careful to choose what words he relays to my daughter. Being the committed reporter that she is, she has warned him that every word he says will be reported to her teacher and her class. She warned him; he is aware. Why? Because words have a lasting impact.

What are your words like? I must admit, there are times when I struggle with a good piece of gossip. Whether it is told to me or something I can’t wait to tell my sister, it is so easy for me to throw the warnings of Scripture out the window for the slight reaction a good story might get me.

Why do we love gossip? It can make us feel better about ourselves for one thing, and it can also deflect attention from what is going on in our own lives. Let’s be honest, gossip can bond us as well. As Scripture warns us, it can be hurtful.

A prayer I try to pray daily is that the Lord would guard my mouth and my words. Some days I’m obedient, and if we are honest, sometimes my words get the best of me. In everything, we must even give even our smallest words to the Lord. We do this so He may be glorified, and because we must be true to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Though it may not be easy, God is faithful, and He will help us to season our words with salt.

Prayer

God, please set a guard over my mouth, keep watch over the door of my lips, and always help my words to be edifying to those around me and honoring You. Thank You, Jesus, for always being faithful. Amen.

Your Turn

Do you struggle with your words? Spend time in Proverbs 18:21 and James 3:1-11 this week. What does this verse have to say about our words? Start each day off this week with the prayer of Psalm 141:3, and let’s be aware of our words.

Chelsi Woods is the coffee-loving Content Manager for Whole Magazine and a writer for the Reformed Outlook. She is a Jesus-loving, tattooed soccer mom to a beautiful, blue-eyed 12-year-old girl and “Choo-Choo” to a 9-year-old nephew and 4-year-old niece. Her hobbies include communicating in gifs, playing guitar, and bad dad jokes. Chelsi’s passionate pursuit is to teach women solid, Biblical truths focused on spiritual growth, loving God with our minds, all while glorifying God and enjoying Him forever.